Chance of snow can mean dough for some businesses

The threat of wintry weather helps and hurts local businesses, depending on their clientele and reputation for remaining open during inclement weather.

Wade Allen

The threat of wintry weather helps and hurts local businesses, depending on their clientele and reputation for remaining open during inclement weather.

A couple of winter storms moved through Gaston County in the past couple of months and as forecasters once again predict the chance of snow today, some businesses are ready for the challenge.

It’s a policy at Freeman’s Pub at 173 W. Main Ave., Gastonia, to remain open when it snows. Owner Brad Freeman said the restaurant’s clientele are familiar with the policy and it helps business.

“The majority of people will end up walking here if they want to. We’ll always be packed out when it snows,” he said. “The snow always helps our business. Most people close their doors. We keep ours open. We’re always busy when it comes.”

But retailers may not be as happy about the threat of winter precipitation as some residents hunker down in homes in fear of driving.

Plato’s Closet at 2020 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, buys and sells gently-used clothing. Vanessa Hughes, one of the store’s managers, said some people still want to shop but the day’s sales could be slightly off due to the weather threat.

“The last time when we had a chance of ice, we still had customers,” she said. “During the week we’re not super busy anyway. We’re more busy on weekends. We’re just going to do what we normally do.”

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook on Friday for numerous counties including Gaston, Cleveland, and Lincoln.

Light precipitation could develop this afternoon, likely beginning as a mix of rain and snow. But light snow would be predominant, according to forecasters.

Light snow accumulations are possible across the North Carolina piedmont.

Gazette reporter Wade Allen can be reached at 704-869-1828; twitter.com/gazettewade.